12/18/2025

ONTONAGON COUNTY - Applications are open for the 2026-2027 Porcupine Mountains Artist-In-Residence Program (spring, summer, fall, winter). The program seeks artists inspired by the northern wilderness.  Selected artists receive a rustic cabin and an optional backcountry permit for a minimum two-week residency. Open to all art forms aligning with the park’s mission, artists must demonstrate artistic integrity, engage with the park, donate an original inspired work, and share their experience via public talks or demonstrations.  Applications are due by Feb. 14, 2026. Find more information and applications at porkies.org/artist-in-residence and the Friends of the Porkies Facebook page.

12/17/2025

BESSEMER - An Odanah woman was given a 10-30 year prison sentence for conspiracy with intent to deliver methamphetamine, enhanced by her habitual offender status.

 Dalani Cain Leyva, 56, a major meth trafficker between Duluth and Ontonagon County, was arrested on July 24 in Wakefield during a GIANT task force traffic stop. The driver, Erick Schutte, possessed meth. Leyva, who had an outstanding warrant and was on parole, was found with meth, cash, and a contact list. A vehicle search yielded 28 grams of meth. Both confirmed they were heading to Bergland for deliveries. Prosecutor Nicholas Jacobs cited Leyva’s ten prior felonies, 14 misdemeanors, three prison sentences since 2018, and pending Wisconsin meth delivery charges. Schutte’s trial is set for March 2026.

12/17/2025

IRONWOOD - Higher Love Cannabis Co. with locations across the U.P. including Ironwood has permanently laid off 61 of its 213 employees across its nine locations in the U.P.  including 10 layoffs at the Ironwood location.  According to the company the layoffs are the result of a new 24% wholesale tax on cannabis sales passed in October set to take effect January 1st.  That tax is on top the current cannabis taxes which includes a 40% state and a 27% federal tax.  The legislative bill states that the additional tax revenue will be used to improve state roads.